Buying CTD: '96 vs '99

[jmtandem]

what truck to buy

PhillySingle,



Do yourself a favor, get a 24 valve. The power difference is impressive. I had a 12 valve I drove out to 140,000 miles and now have about 50,000 on a 24 valve. The difference in power is enjoyable. Someday I might get a 4 door 04 or 05 or something but until then the club cab with backwards doors is just fine. I would like to see Dodge actually build a real crewcab something that most other manufacturers seem to be able to accomplish even Nissan and Toyota.

 

[jmtandem]

what truck to buy

PhillySingle,



Do yourself a favor, get a 24 valve. The power difference is impressive. I had a 12 valve I drove out to 140,000 miles and now have about 50,000 on a 24 valve. The difference in power is enjoyable. Someday I might get a 4 door 04 or 05 or something but until then the club cab with backwards doors is just fine. I would like to see Dodge actually build a real crewcab something that most other manufacturers seem to be able to accomplish even Nissan and Toyota.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

did ya think if you posted it 4 times, he'd consider it 4 times?!



I'm not against 24v trucks, just the VP pump that they hung on 'em!!!

 

[WadePatton]

I drive both. With a GSK and a plate on the 12v--a 24v has NOTHING on a 12v.



Bone stock, yeah get the 24. But most folks that hang around here don't do BONE STOCK.

 

[cArNiVaLwOrKeR]

24VALVE, I gave a 12V away for 13K, purchased a 01 24V for 24K, Day and Night difference, you drive them both and you'll SEE...

 

[PhillySingle]

Hmm... interesting - I have people saying it's a "night and day difference" and others saying, "no way" - I'm with Wade though - if I pick up a 12v, there's no way it will be stock! And that '96 does have a 3k GSK and plate...



The only thing holding me back from a 24v is: 1) leary about the pump issues... 2) initial cost vs a 12v - but if the overall truck is THAT much better... may be worth a shot.

 

[jmtandem]

PhillySingle,



I didn't post four times, I think when the server went down it got messed up four times. If you want a real diesel work truck, try the first gens, they ride like a truck and can be bought inexpensively. But for something you take long trips in and like acceleration, faster revs, less smoke on cold starts, better power, etc. the 24 valve has it all over the 12 comparing stock engines. I had problems with the lift pump and fuel injection pump (both were replaced) on my 91. 5 12 valve by the time it had 140,000 miles, so the 24 valve issues with the lift pump are not that dissimilar. Just figure on replacing the lift pump as a maintenance item every so often. Many add a gauge in the cab to keep tabs on it.



But whatever you get, I agree with the other posts that being in good condition is most important. Good luck.

 

[stacerbob]

Won't a 12V pump set you back alot more than a 24V?? although you may never have to put one on a 12V?!?!?

 

[WadePatton]

A 215 P-pump can be bought for around a grand.

 

[DHorstman]

For what it's worth,

I just bought a '98 quad cab 12V sport 4X4. It's loaded, power leather seat, SLT trim, auto, 3. 54s and limited slip for major options. Has 150K on it. Aftermarket mods are 4" exhaust, Rough Country tube bumpers and 'glass running boards.



It was a one owner(seen title). Bought from a used car lot for $12,400. I jumped at it for the 12V for reliability and future upgrades and the quad cab. Really wish they offered a real crew cab.

Same dealer sold a reg cab '96 with 130K and a plow for $9900 and a 1999 Q-cab long bed 4x4 with 75K for $17,900.

 

[SMorneau]

In stock condition the 24V trucks are more powerful. But thats because DC kept upping the power not because of any inherent advantage. You can easily turn up a 12V and you can easily turn up a 24V. I wouldn't make the decision based on stock power or the power difference between used trucks I was driving (except that an already bombed truck may save you money... or give you headaches.

 

[MHalloran]

Hey PS See (if possible) if you can get a hold of the VIN #'s for any vehicle you might be interested in and check it out on the CARFAX website. I think a small fee may apply but it would be worth it if the truck wants to steal your heart. It will tell you if any significant work has been done to the vehicle. Good luck !! My 96 is a 5-speed and has 155k miles. IF IT'S NOT A DIESEL , IT'S NOT A TRUCK!

 

[PhillySingle]

Guys -



Thanks for all the help and tips! I still haven't pulled the trigger on one yet. I'm still looking around for the "best" deal for me - a few decent looking trucks in New England have popped up forsale.



MHalloran - You're right on with the Carfax, I always use it before actually purchasing... never know what it may uncover



Here's a '96 for only $11500 obo https://www.turbodieselregister.com...splay_db_button=on&db_id=5060&query=retrieval



I like the local one in PA I found, but this one is $5k less without even bargaining yet!



So - the search is still on...



Stay tuned,

Jay